Norwegian authorised to operate in Brazil

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in Brazil has seen interest from several low-fare airlines in starting operations in the country.

ANAC announced on 8 August that Norwegian Air has received legal authorisation to operate in Brazil.

On 27 July the airline requested authorisation to operate long-haul international flights between Brazil and Europe. The airline intends to operate in Brazil as a regular international air passenger service, as well as cargo and mail order company.

The company’s routes will only be disclosed when it registers the flights with the Agency.

In January Norwegian Air Argentina received an Air Services Operator Certificate (AOC) from the National Government in Argentina and was granted 152 routes; 72 domestic and 80 international destinations.

Norwegian also launched its first flight to Buenos Aires from the UK earlier this year with a non-stop service from London Gatwick to the capital city of Argentina.

Speaking at the time, Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said the flight marked a milestone for the airline: “As our first South American route takes off, it is also a first step towards ambitious plans for international and domestic growth in Argentina.”

Norwegian is one of several low-fare airlines to be pursuing expansion in South America and Latin America, ANAC suggested as Avian, a subsidiary of Avianca in Argentina also received legal authorisation (published on 25 July). ANAC reported that Avian expressed an interest in starting operations in September this year with non-scheduled flights until authorisation of scheduled flights is released.

ANAC said in a statement that Norwegian and Avian “have begun the arrival of the so-called low cost airlines legally authorised to start operations in the country.”

The agency added however that for Avian and Norwegian to start regular flights it will be necessary for the companies to obtain operating licences. Both companies already have authorisation for non-regular flights (punctual) and can start operations in this modality.

Meanwhile, Flybondi received authorisation from the Argentine government on 2 August to operate in Brazil and must now request legal and operational authorisation from the ANAC.